While we're watching the Republicans attempt to seize the post office...

[KansDem]

...to turn over to plutocrats as a "privatization," let's remember the creation of the post office is in the Constitution...

http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/a1_8_7s7.html">Article 1, Section 8, Clause 7

I may be naive, but it seems trying to get rid of something that's spelled out in the Consitution is foolhardy...

[Proud Liberal Dem]

1. They may claim to revere the Constitution

However, as we learned during the last (mis-)administration, to them it's just ink on a page. :puke:

[TheManInTheMac]

2. The Constitution gives Congress the power to establish

the Post Office. It does not obligate them to do so.

[KansDem]

11. Then it's up to us to "obligate" them!

And if Congress refuses, then wouldn't that be "un-Constitutional?"

[TheManInTheMac]

13. Precisely.

[elleng]

3. Yes, of course, but 'seizing' can be done in many ways,

and they made a good start of it in 2006 w their abominable legislation. They won't try to amend Constitution, imo, but effectively kill USPS.

ONE of our many tasks is to do whatever to 'reverse' that law, certainly minimize its deadly effects in whatever ways we can.

[Dr Fate]

4. Actually, a lot of Democrats supported the bill that is bankrupting the PO.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=2020965&mesg_id=2022712

And I am glad they did, considering any alternatives.

Look, I learned a long time ago not to question the wisdom of centrists. As soon as you do, someone will just show you the links proving that whatever it was that they did or did not do was really the only choice/best choice they had.

[mailman82]

5. Two Words

Union busters!

[Tansy_Gold]

6. USPS vs UPS

Here's what I don't get.

I ordered something online a couple of weeks ago. I did not need it quickly, so I specified standard USPS shipping that would take roughly six business days.

A few days ago I received email notification that my item had been shipped, and in the email was the link by which I could track my shipment. The link led to UPS, but that page contained a link to the USPS.

Yesterday, the package that had left Illinois and gone to Michigan via UPS was transferred to the USPS in Arizona, for delivery into my USPS mailbox (probably) today.

????????


TG

[Scuba]

8. Sounds like UPS is sub-contracting to USPS. n/t

[DrunkenBoat]

9. it does, & i'd bet the public is subsidizing it somehow.

[Scuba]

7. The post office, and ROADS...

...if I were interpreting the Constitution, I would consider the post office to broadly cover delivery of information, and would use that holding to more closely - and profitably - control the airwaves and data/voice networks.

[taught_me_patience]

10. Their rural constituents are going to get a rude awakening

when "private" companies don't want to service them, or when the cost to mail a letter triples because of the "free market". Absolute suckers.

[RC]

12. Both UPS and FedEx use the USPS to deliver where they do not want to go now.

I tried to do a 'upgrade' on my cell phone becasue it told me to do so. When done, the phone would not boot. I took in into the Verizon store Saturday morning. The guy determined it was toast and the did the computer work for a replacement under warranty.
They offered 3 way to ship. 2 of the ways I had to pay for, next day and express of some such. Thinking I should not have to pay shipping on something that was not my fault, I took the free 5 day turn around.
Monday afternoon I had my replacement phone in the mail from Texas (to KCMO). Yea, USPS!